It’s High time for a band reunion

ONCE-POPULAR bands from the 1980s and 1990s are reforming, touring and making a name for themselves once again after almost a generation out of the loop.

The latest Manchester outfit to do such a thing are the High, fronted by former Radclyffe School pupil John Matthews, who made a triumphant return to the Academy’s Gigantic Indie All-Dayer.

After bursting on to the much-hyped Madchester scene in 1990 alongside the likes of fellow Oldham legends the Inspiral Carpets, the High enjoyed success with “Box Set Go”, the undoubted single highlight, before the band crumbled barely a couple of years later.

Now, with Matthews and original guitarist Andy Couzens joined by drummer Jack Couzens, bassist Tony Meehan and keyboard ace Richard Thomas, the High are set to return, with more gigs this year and talk of a potential tour.

Asked bluntly if the High were back following the Academy success, guitarist Couzens replied: “I’d say so, yes. It’s been a long time - but then again it hasn’t.

“John and I have always written good stuff together. The Gigantic show was great, rehearsals had gone well, so now why not go and do some more gigs. We’ll see what happens now.

“We are booked to play here again in December, but we both think there will be more outings between now and then.”

Being back in the limelight and on the Manchester stage after more than two decades certainly floated Matthews’s boat.

He added: “There were one or two sound issues, but it didn’t stop me enjoying the show. It was fantastic and a real pleasure to play here again. The whole event was great. We tried to add a bit extra to the set in terms of a style of music, and it was a pleasure.”